Frank Foster

Bank: Parr's Bank

Place of work: London Lombard Street branch

Died: 22 May 1916

Frank Edward Foster was born in Kent in 1896, the only son of Richard Thomas Foster, a shipwright, and his wife Alice Jane. He was educated at Brownhill Road Central School, Catford.

In July 1913 Foster went to work for Parr's Bank at its London Lombard Street branch. Outside work, he was a member of Hither Green Congregational Church and a Sunday School teacher.

In September 1914 Foster joined the army, becoming a Private in the London Regiment. He went to France in March 1915, and fought at Neuve Chapelle, Festubert, Givenchy and Loos. He was wounded in action at Vimy Ridge on 21 May 1916, and died in hospital the following day. He was 20 years old.

His Serjeant later wrote to Mr and Mrs Foster, telling them 'he was one of the best men I had in my platoon. He and I were very great pals. It may be a little comfort to you to know that he died a soldier's death after being wounded in the execution of his duty'.

Frank Foster is commemorated on a bank war memorial at NatWest City of London office.